Latch

ABSTRACT

A latch for releasably sealing a box, the latch comprising a first part and a second part arranged to be attached to respective opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second parts comprising respective first and second attachment elements arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the box, wherein the latch is elongate and the attachment elements have a substantially uniform cross-section along their length.

The invention relates to a latch for releasably sealing a box, a boxincluding the latch and a method of manufacturing the latch. Theinvention also relates to a latch for releasably securing two surfacestogether.

BACKGROUND

Boxes, particularly cardboard boxes, are regularly used for storage ofhousehold items. These are often kept in attics, garages and sheds. Manyitems are delicate and as a result the boxes may be sealed using tape tosecure the lids to and protect the contents from dust, but this is ofteninconvenient, particularly when the items are needed (Christmasdecorations for instance).

In addition, cardboard boxes are often used to store personal andprivate documents or possessions. It is often desirable to seal theseboxes to avoid prying eyes (when moving home for instance or in a spareroom). Once again, tape can be used, but this is inconvenient,particularly for semi-permanent storage situations.

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document in thisspecification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement thatthe document is part of the state of the art or is common generalknowledge.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a latch for releasablysecuring two surfaces together, the latch comprising

-   -   a first part and a second part arranged to be attached to        respective opposing surfaces, the first and second parts        comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to secure the        surfaces together, wherein the attachment elements are elongate        with a substantially uniform cross-section along their length.

By having a substantially uniform cross-section, the latch is able to beproduced by extrusion, for example, and cut to a desired length by themanufacturer, a retailer, distributor or the end user. The latch may besold in rolls or in long strips, for example. Any part of the roll orstrip may be cut off and used as a latch. The user is thus able to fitthe latch appropriately to the dimensions of a particular box to besealed.

By “substantially uniform” it is meant that there is no significantvariation in the cross-section. Non-significant variations may includevariations which locally alter the cross-section of the latch but whichoccur only occasionally along its length (for example holes, notches orgrooves), or variations which modify the cross-section along the lengthof the latch but which do not significantly alter the cross-section, forexample surface decoration on the latch.

Latches of the present invention may include those commonly referred toas “over-centre toggle latches”.

According to this aspect, there is also provided a latch for releasablysealing a box, the latch comprising

-   -   a first part and a second part arranged to be attached to        respective opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second        parts comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the        box, wherein the attachment elements are elongate with a        substantially uniform cross-section along their length.

The latch of the present invention is applicable, not only to thesealing of boxes, but also the securing of two surfaces, in a widevariety of situations, described in detail elsewhere herein.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a latch for releasablysecuring two surfaces together, the latch comprising

-   -   a first part and a second part arranged to be attached to        respective opposing surfaces, the first and second parts        comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another along their length        thereby to secure the surfaces together. According to the second        aspect, there is also provided a latch for releasably sealing a        box, the latch comprising    -   a first part and a second part arranged to be attached to        respective opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second        parts comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another along their length        thereby to seal the box.

With the attachment elements engaging along their length, the latchprovides the ability to seal the box along the length of the flaps ofthe box lid, securing the box to prevent the ingress of dust etc.

In either or both of these ways, the latch according to the inventionserves as a secure, reusable alternative to parcel tape. The latcheliminates the need for a separate latch and seal. The latch itselfcreates the seal along its full length. Preferably the full length ofthe latch comprises substantially all advantageously the full length ofthe flaps.

The first attachment element may comprise a keeper and the secondattachment element comprises a hooked part, wherein the hooked part isconnected to a base of the second part by a hinge mechanism, the hingemechanism being arranged to allow the hooked part to be positioned overthe keeper and to be moved into a latched position in which the hookedpart engages the keeper to secure the first and second parts together.

The hinge mechanism may be arranged to maintain the engagement betweenthe hooked part and the keeper in the latched position.

The hinge mechanism may comprise an intermediate part connecting thehooked part to the base of the second part, the intermediate partcomprising a first hinge element connecting the hooked part to theintermediate part and a second hinge element connecting the intermediatepart to the base.

In the latched position, the intermediate part may be arranged to beunder compression in such a way that, via its connection with the hookedpart and the base, it urges the hooked part against the keeper in orderto secure the hooked part in the latched position.

Each hinge element may comprise a region of material which is of reducedrigidity compared to surrounding regions.

Each of the first and second attachment elements may comprise velcroand/or a magnetic part.

The first part may comprise a hinged part attached to a base of thefirst part, the hinged part comprising the first attachment element andbeing movable so as to bring the first attachment element into a latchedposition in which it engages the second attachment element.

One or both of the first and second parts may comprise a securing clipfor attachment to an edge of the respective box lid flap.

One or both of the first and second parts may comprise an adhesive padfor attachment to the respective box lid flap.

The latch may comprise a locking mechanism arranged to lock the firstand second attachment elements together.

The locking mechanism may comprise a locking pillar arranged to beinserted through an aperture in one or both of the first and secondattachment elements.

An upper part of the locking pillar may comprise an aperture throughwhich a padlock or the like can be inserted.

The locking pillar may be rotatably mounted within the aperture in thefirst and/or second attachment element. The upper part may have anon-circular cross-section, the aperture in the first and/or secondattachment element comprising a corresponding non-circularcross-section, the upper part being rotatable between a locked positionin which its cross-section prevents its passage through the aperture andan unlocked position in which it may pass through the aperture. In avariant, the locking pillar may be fixedly attached to the first and/orsecond attachment element, with the upper part being rotatably attachedto the locking pillar.

Each of the first and second parts may consist of an extruded length ofmaterial.

The latch may be arranged to be cut to a desired length.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a box including the latchof the first and/or second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method ofmanufacturing a latch for releasably securing two surfaces together, themethod comprising

-   -   producing first and second parts of the latch, the first and        second parts being arranged to be attached to respective        opposing surfaces, the first and second parts comprising        respective first and second attachment elements arranged to        releasably engage one another thereby to secure the surfaces        together, wherein the latch is elongate and the first and second        parts have a substantially uniform cross-section along their        length.

According to this aspect, there is also provided a method ofmanufacturing a latch for releasably sealing a box, the methodcomprising

-   -   producing first and second parts of the latch, the first and        second parts being arranged to be attached to respective        opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second parts        comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the        box, wherein the latch is elongate and the attachment elements        have a substantially uniform cross-section along their length.

The method may comprise producing the first and second parts using acontinuous profile mass-production technique.

The method may comprise producing the first and second parts usingextrusion.

The method may comprise producing the first and second parts usinginjection moulding.

The method may comprise cutting one or both of the first and secondparts to a desired length.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturinga latch for releasably securing two surfaces together, the methodcomprising

-   -   cutting first and second parts of the latch to a desired length,        the first and second parts being arranged to be attached to        respective opposing surfaces, the first and second parts        comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to secure the        surfaces together, wherein the latch is elongate and the first        and second parts have a substantially uniform cross-section        along their length.

According to this aspect, there is also provided a method ofmanufacturing a latch for releasably sealing a box, the methodcomprising

-   -   cutting first and second parts of the latch to a desired length,        the first and second parts being arranged to be attached to        respective opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second        parts comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the        box, wherein the latch is elongate and the attachment elements        have a substantially uniform cross-section along their length.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a latch for releasablysealing a box, the latch comprising

-   -   a first part and a second part arranged to be attached to        respective opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second        parts comprising respective first and second attachment elements        arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the        box along the flaps, wherein each of the attachment elements        comprises an extruded piece of material.

The latch may be arranged to be cut to a desired length.

Advantages that may result from the present invention may be as follows:

-   -   The latch has the ability to seal a box along its full length:        The seal is achieved by the close fit of the hook and keeper,        and the fact that this close fit is maintained by the latching        mechanism i.e. the intermediate part being held in compression.        The seal is also improved by preventing the ingress of dirt        whilst opening. In addition, the adhesive pad and securing clips        seal the joint between latch and box. The seal may be achieved        by the magnetic strip or Velcro.    -   The full length is achieved by cutting to the length of the box,        i.e. customisable. The uniform cross section allows it to be cut        anywhere along its length.    -   The latch may be releasable (incorporating re-closeable): the        present invention may allow the box to be opened and closed as        many times as required without damage to the box or the latch.        Previously, a user would seal the box with tape (which is not        re-usable and tends to damage the box) or by interlacing the        flaps (half over and half under the neighbouring flaps) which        also damages the box. This releasable feature means that the box        is reusable.    -   The latch may be lockable: The present invention may allow        sensitive or private times to be stored without the possibility        of inquisitive visitors/guests/staff taking a peek at the        contents. The locking pillar and aperture can provide this        advantage by allowing the use of a padlock or other simple        locking mechanism e.g. cable tie. While a cardboard box could be        ripped open, for most privacy situations the latch and padlock        would be sufficient.    -   The latch allows ease of manufacture: The device can be made by        extrusion from two homogeneous pieces of plastic. The design is        such that the hinges/compression mechanism and seal are all        incorporated without further manufacture or additional        materials. This minimises price which is important because it is        used on a cardboard box which is seen by most home users as        being inexpensive or even free (e.g. a packaging by-product of        something they have brought).

According to another form of the present invention, there is provided anover-centre toggle latch for releasably securing two surfaces, thetoggle latch comprising a first part and a second part arranged to beattached to said respective surfaces, the first part having acompression bar and latching arm for securing the surfaces together, thebar and arm being elongate with a substantially uniform cross-sectionalong their lengths.

According to this form, there is also provided an over-centre togglelatch for releasably securing two surfaces, the toggle latch comprisinga first part and a second part arranged to be attached to respectivesurfaces, the first part having a compression bar and latching arm forsecuring the surfaces together, the bar and arm being arranged toreleasably engage one another along their length thereby to secure thetwo surfaces.

The present invention is applicable not only to boxes and containers asdiscussed in the specific description, but also more widely to otherapplications involving securing of surfaces to be generally co-planar.

Applications for the toggle latch include:

-   -   In medical applications where high value products are delivered        in a multitude of differing packages. Plastic boxes/crates/drums        benefit from the extruded latch mechanism. The latch toggle is        low-cost to make and is easy to sterilise due to the homogenous        design. Tamper-evident mechanisms may be incorporated.    -   In the electronics/computer/High Voltage switchgear industries,        to hold circuit boards, electrical elements and panels in        position. The material is typically plastic (probably PVC) which        is a good electrical insulator thus avoiding problems with air        gap and electrical shorts associated with metal fixings.    -   In the construction and civil engineering industries to hold        panels or shuttering. Suspended ceiling tiles and air        conditioning ducting access hatches benefit such that the        extruded latch grips along the full length of the latch. Sealing        strips can be incorporated to improve it's sealing capabilities.    -   In aerospace and car industries, benefiting from a light-weight,        rattle-resistant latch mechanism to locate many removable items.        Engineering plastics may be used to reduce weight and improve        strength and performance.    -   At sea, on ships and oil platforms to locate removable items.        The corrosion resistance of plastic is superior to many metals.

The present invention includes one or more aspects, embodiments orfeatures in isolation or in various combinations whether or notspecifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or inisolation.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 shows a box sealed using a latch according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a latch accordingto the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the latch of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the latch of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a latch accordingto the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the latch of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the latch of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows part of a locking mechanism according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing a method according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing another method according to theinvention;

FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate another embodiment of a latch; and

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a further embodiment of the latch

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2 to 4 show a latch 100 being a first embodiment of the invention.

The latch 100 is designed for releasably sealing a box 50 (see FIG. 1)and comprises a first part 102 and a second part 104 arranged to beattached to respective opposing flaps 52, 54 of the box lid. Each of thefirst and second parts 102, 104 consists of an extruded length ofmaterial. The first and second parts 102, 104 comprise respective firstand second attachment elements 106, 108 arranged to releasably engageone another thereby to seal the box 50. The attachment elements areelongate and have a substantially uniform cross-section along theirlength. The first and second attachment elements 106, 108 are arrangedto releasably engage along their length.

The first attachment element 106 comprises a keeper 110 and the secondattachment element 108 comprises a hooked part 112. The hooked part 112is connected to a base 114 of the second part 104 by a hinge mechanism116. The hinge mechanism 116 is arranged to allow the hooked part 112 tobe positioned over the keeper 110 and to be moved into a latchedposition in which the hooked part 112 engages the keeper 110 to securethe first and second parts 102, 104 together. The hinge mechanism 116 isarranged to maintain the engagement between the hooked part 112 and thekeeper 110 in the latched position.

The hinge mechanism 116 comprises an intermediate part 118 connectingthe hooked part 112 to the base 114 of the second part 104. The hingemechanism 116 comprises a first hinge element 120 connecting the hookedpart 112 to the intermediate part 118 and a second hinge element 122connecting the intermediate part 118 to the base 114. Each hinge element120, 122 consists of a region of material which is thinner, andtherefore of reduced rigidity, compared to surrounding regions. In avariant, the hinge elements 120, 122 comprise regions of material whichare weaker, and therefore of reduced rigidity, compared to surroundingregions.

In the latched position, the intermediate part 118 is arranged to beunder compression in such a way that, via its connection with the hookedpart 112 and the base 114, it urges the hooked part 112 against thekeeper 110 in order to secure the hooked part 112 in the latchedposition.

The intermediate part 118 is under maximum compression at a pointpartway between the latched position and an unlatched position. In thisway, when the hooked part 112 is being moved from the unlatched positionto the latched position, it snaps into the latched position after itpasses the point of maximum compression.

The first part 102 comprises a first securing clip 124 for attachment toan edge of the first box lid flap 52 and the second part 104 comprises asecond securing clip 126 for attachment to an edge of the second box lidflap 54.

The first part 102 comprises a first adhesive pad 128 for attachment tothe first box lid flap 52 and the second part 104 comprises a secondadhesive pad 130 for attachment to the second box lid flap 54.

The latch 100 comprises a locking mechanism 132 arranged to lock thefirst and second attachment elements 106, 108 together. The lockingmechanism 132 comprises a locking pillar 134 arranged to be insertedthrough an aperture 136 in the second attachment element 108. An upperpart of the locking pillar 134 comprises an aperture 138 through which apadlock (not shown) or the like can be inserted.

The first part 102, for example at the base parts adjacent the adhesivepads, may have a number of apertures 150 (shown in broken lines) spacedalong its length for weight-saving and/or minimisation of material used,where appropriate. The apertures may be produced (e.g. by punching)after the forming of the first part, or they may be created as anintegral element of the formation of the first part e.g. in an injectionmoulding operation.

In a variant, for example the first part is made by injection-moulding,and incorporates strengthening ribs and pockets arranged longitudinallyand/or cross-wise.

In use, a user obtains a length of latch 100 (consisting of the firstand second parts 102, 104) and the box 50 to be sealed. The user cutsthe latch 100 to such a length that the latch 100 will extend along thelength of the flaps of the box lid. In a variant, a manufacturer cutsthe latch 100 to length and the latch is sold to fit boxes 50 ofstandard size.

In order to seal the box 50, the user attaches the first part 102 to thefirst box lid flap 52 and the second part 104 to the second box lid flap54 using the securing clips 124, 126 and adhesive pads 128, 130. Inorder to lock the latch 100, the user operates the hooked part 112 so asto move it over and behind the keeper 110, and then moves the hookedpart 112 downwardly into its latched position.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a latch 200 being a second embodiment of theinvention.

Like the latch 100 of the first embodiment, the latch 200 is designedfor releasably sealing a box 50 and comprises a first part 202 and asecond part 204 arranged to be attached to respective opposing flaps 52,54 of the box lid. Each of the first and second parts 202, 204 consistsof an extruded length of material. The first and second parts 202, 204comprise respective first and second attachment elements 206, 208arranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the box 50.The attachment elements are elongate and have a substantially uniformcross-section along their length. The first and second attachmentelements 206, 208 are arranged to releasably engage along their length.

The first part 202 comprises a hinged part 240 attached to its base 242.The hinged part 240 is attached to the base 242 by a hinge 246. Thehinged part 240 comprises the first attachment element 206 and ismovable so as to bring the first attachment element 206 into a latchedposition in which it engages the second attachment element 208, and intoan unlatched position in which it is disengaged from the secondattachment element 208. Each of the first and second attachment elements206, 208 comprises a magnetic part, whereby the two attachment elements206, 208 engage one another. In a variant, each of the first and secondattachment elements 206, 208 comprises velcro.

All other features of the latch 200 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 correspond tothose of the latch 100 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

FIG. 8 shows part of a locking mechanism 232 of the latch 200.

The locking mechanism 232 comprises a locking pillar 234 arranged to beinserted through an aperture 236 in the second part 204, the first andsecond attachment elements 206, 208 and the hinged part 240. An upperpart 244 of the locking pillar 234 comprises an aperture 238 throughwhich a padlock (not shown) or the like can be inserted. The lockingpillar 234 is rotatably mounted with the aperture 236 and the upper part244 has a non-circular cross-section. The aperture 236 comprises acorresponding non-circular cross-section. The upper part 244 isrotatable between a locked position in which its cross-section preventsits passage through the aperture 236 and an unlocked position in whichit may pass through the aperture 236. In a variant, the lockingmechanism 232 replaces the locking mechanism 132 of the latch 100.

FIG. 1 shows a box 50 sealed using a latch 100, 200 according to theinvention

FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing a method 1000 of manufacturing alatch (according to either of the first and second embodiments) forreleasably sealing a box.

The method 1000 comprises the step 1002 of producing first and secondparts of the latch, the first and second parts being arranged to beattached to respective opposing flaps of a box lid, the first and secondparts comprising respective first and second attachment elementsarranged to releasably engage one another thereby to seal the box,wherein the latch is elongate and the first and second parts have asubstantially uniform cross-section along their length. The method 1000optionally includes the step 1004 of punching a plurality of apertures150 in the first parts 102. Then there is the step 1006 of cutting oneor both of the first and second parts to a desired length.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart representing a method 2000 of manufacturing alatch for releasably sealing a box. The method 2000 comprises the step2002 of cutting first and second parts of the latch to a desired length,the first and second parts being arranged to be attached to respectiveopposing flaps of a box lid, the first and second parts comprisingrespective first and second attachment elements arranged to releasablyengage one another thereby to seal the box, wherein the latch iselongate and the first and second parts have a substantially uniformcross-section along their length.

A variant to described latches may include latch mechanisms (of say 2 cmwidth) spaced equally along a seal/base. A strip of the seal/base can becut to provide a certain number of latches along the strip. In this way,the seal may be tighter near to the latches. A higher count ofindividual latches improves the sealing property but leads to increasedinconvenience when sealing or opening a box. A lower count is moreconvenient but less likely to make a good seal.

The over-centre toggle latch is a well known device often used onindustrial cases and equipment to securely hold a lid or panel in aclosed position. The device usually consists of a keeper/anchor partthat is connected to one lid or panel and a second latch part that isconnected to the case body or a second panel.

The latch part (not including the keeper) typically has three items.These are as follows:

1) A base component that is secured to the case body.2) A latching arm that can be hooked over the anchor point on thekeeper.3) An intermediate compression bar that connects the base part to thelatching arm.

The three parts are arranged such that the base is connected via a hingeto the compression bar which in turn is connected by hinge to thelatching arm. Due to the two hinges at the points where the componentsmeet, the compression bar can rotate around one axis and the latchingarm can rotate about two. This results in the latching arm being able tomove both horizontally and vertically with respect to the base, andprovides the latching arm with a degree of reach. This flexibility inmovement means that the hook at the end of the latching arm can easilybe located over the keeper even if the keeper is slightly misalignedwith respect to the latch base.

Once the latching arm hook has been placed over the anchor point on thekeeper, compression of the latching arm towards the base results in thekeeper being pulled towards the latch base, i.e. the case is pulledtowards the closed to position.

At a certain point during the closure, the compression bar is undermaximum force. This occurs when the two hinges and the anchor point onthe keeper are in alignment. When the latch moves beyond this point,compression is slightly released. Eventually, as the latch is pushedfurther, it reaches the end of its movement, which is usually when thelatch touches the body of the case. The latch tends naturally to stay inthis position, because to open would mean that the compression bar wouldneed to move from its current relatively unstressed state back past thepoint of maximum compression, i.e. energy would need to be put in toopen the latch. If no energy is put in, the latch tends to stay in theclosed position.

The device is opened by pulling the latching arm towards, through andthen past the point of maximum compression.

Most toggle latches of this type are usually made from metal. They aremade in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from small latches on aplastic tool box, to large cast toggle latches designed to hold heavypanels in position.

This further aspect of the invention may provide toggle latches byextrusion. An advantage over conventional methods is that the latch canbe extruded in long lengths and then cut to size for the end user. Thelengths can be cut to produce latches equivalent in size to the existingmetal latches or alternatively they could be used in long lengths toseal the full height of a door for example.

The latch part can be made by a single extrusion process whereby theflexible hinges are inserted using co-extrusion. Co-extrusion allows twoor more different types of plastic to be extruded simultaneously throughone die to produce a single homogenous extruded profile. Using thismethod, soft flexible hinges may be fitted between much harder plastics.

As shown in FIG. 11, the latch 300 embodies the present invention suchthat latch 300 comprises a first part 301 and a second part 302 arrangedto be attached to respective opposing flaps of a box lid. While thisform is now described with reference to applications in a box lid, it isapplicable more generally.

Concerning the present application, each of the first and second partsare extruded. The first part 301 consists of a base part 318, anintermediate compression bar 304 and a latching arm 303.

The base part 318 is connected to the compression bar 304 via a flexiblehinge 321. The opposite end of the compression bar 304 is connected tothe latching arm 303 via a second flexible hinge 320.

Flexible hinge 320 is connected to the compression bar and the latchingarm at faces 333 and 332 respectively. The long edges of the hinge(shown in FIG. 11 as being curved) are not directly attached to eitherthe compression bar or the latching arm. When the latch is in the closedposition the hinge 320 rests against curved surface 330 but is notphysically attached other than at attachment faces 332 and 333.

The arrangement is generally similar for hinge 321, except that theattachment point to the compression bar is 335 and to the base at 334.The associated curved surface is 331.

As the latch is opened, both hinges unfurl from their curved state,allowing the hooked part 305 to be disengaged from the keeper point 306.

When closing the latch, hooked part 305 is located beneath the keeperpoint 306 and the latching arm is depressed towards the base 301.Maximum compression occurs when the tip of 305 and the two hinges are inalignment. As the latch is depressed further, the hinges pass the pointof alignment and compression starts to decrease.

Pushing the latch as far as possible causes tip 319 to ride over bump315, thus providing an additional mechanism for maintaining the latch inthe closed position.

In the closed position the latching arm 303, rests on support 314. Thisprovides additional mechanical strength in situations when boxes arestacked on top.

Whilst closing, the hinges increasingly wraps around the curved surfaces330 and 331. This wrapping motion tends to maintain the hinges intension. This tension ensures that faces 324/325 and 326/327 becomealigned accurately during the closure phase. This alignment ensures thatmuch of the compression is taken up by the hard plastic, rather than thesoft hinges.

As the hinges are stretched around curved surfaces 330/331, and thehinges are anchored at locations 332/334, the compression bar is limitedin its range of movement in the X direction (see FIG. 11).

Whilst closing, movement in the −X (negative X) direction is restrictedby the sloping faces 328 and 329. The sloping angle is designed to movethe compression bar in an X direction thus aligning faces 324/325 and326/327 and forcing the hinges to wrap around curved surfaces 330 and331.

Whilst closing the latch, the compression bar is at its maximumcompression. Forces are perpendicular to X along the axis of thecompression bar. This tends to distort the shape of the hinge in thedirection of the force. To prevent excessive distortion bumps 322 and323 have been included. These are placed to allow the hinges to pressagainst them whilst the arm is under compression. The bumps have beenkept to a minimum height to prevent breakage of the hinge in situationswhere the latch is accidentally folded all the way back such that thecompression bar is 180 degrees away from its normal closed position.

In the closed position, keeper point 306 is sandwiched between latchcomponents 305 and 307. The ‘U’ shape of the hook 305 holds 306 closelyadjacent to 307 and acts to prevent the keeper part 302 from movingdownwards away from the latch part 301.

The components 316 and 317 lie beneath the box lids and serve to securethe latch and keeper parts to the box lids. Flexible rubber barbs 312and 313 are designed to provide extra friction between the latch/keeperand the box lids. They are angled to make it difficult to pull the latchor keeper off the box lids.

Hole 308 is provided to allow the attachment of fixing accessories atthe ends of the latch (See FIG. 11). Fixing accessories can be used tosecure the latch and keeper to both the lids and to the sides of thebox. The fixing accessory may contain holes through which a cable tiecould pass. This allows the latch and keeper to be secured to a fixingpoint attached to the side of the box. The accessory may be designedsuch that the fixing screw is not accessible when the cable tie is inplace. This prevents the box from being unlocked by removing the screw.

T sections 310 and 311 allow additional fixing/locking accessories to beattached to the latch and/or keeper. The accessories can be slid on fromthe end and then held in place using a fixing screw or adhesive. Theaccessories can provide holes through which cable ties can be fitted.Holes can be punctured through the box lids to enable the cable ties tobe passed through into the box and then back out again. This enables theuse of cable ties to secure the latch and keeper to the box lids.

Fixing/locking accessories can also be fitted onto the latch arm itselfby sliding along component 309. The accessory can be used in conjunctionwith a similar component on T section 311 to provide a locking/securingmechanism. The accessory can be secured to the latching arm using afixing screw on the underside of the latching arm. This would only beaccessible when the latch is open, thus making it difficult to unscrewwhen the latch is locked.

FIG. 13 shows an arrangement for securing a box with the latch of thepresent invention, and is applicable to any of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Clasp 401 is slid on to rails 309 and 311 to provide a padlock lockingfacility. A fixing screw beneath the component prevents it from beingslid off the rail.

Lock 402 is slid onto rails 310 and 311. Cable ties can be passedthrough the holes and then through corresponding puncture holes in thebox lid. This enables the latch and keeper to be securely fastened tothe lids.

Latch 405 is fastened to the end of the latch using a fixing screw thatlocates in the hole provided. A hinged lid folds down to cover the screwhead. The lid contains a slot through which a cable tie can be passed,403. The cable tie passes through an adhesive pad 404 thus securing thelatch to the sides of the box.

There is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 a further embodiment, having flexiblehinges, 501, 502, rubber fins 503 designed to hold an arm 504 inposition. Adhesive strips 505 attach the latch and anchor to the boxflaps.

To open the latch, lever 506 is pulled outward away from the fins 503.Hinge 502 rotates to allow item 504 to slide between the fins. When 504is disengaged from the fins, latch 507 can be lifted an rotates abouthinge 501.

The latch is now fully unlocked, and item 508 can be lifted up from item509, i.e. the left box flap can be lifted upwards and away from theright.

The closing procedure is the reverse of the above procedure. The latchis held shut by squeezing item 504 into the fins.

Advantages of the latch of the present invention, and also features forits suitability for extrusion, include the following:

-   -   The design has a uniform cross section thus making it suitable        for extrusion.    -   Co-extrusion allows for two different types of plastic to be        bonded together to form a homogenous unit. The high strength of        the bond and the availability of plastics with varying degrees        of flexibility means that a strong flexible hinge can be        incorporated between harder plastics. The latch makes use of        this co-extrusion process to insert two hinges.    -   The latch arrangement ensures that most of the compression force        is taken up by the compression bar rather than the hinges. This        prevents the hinges from becoming excessively distorted during        closure.    -   The arrangement of hinges ensure they do not get trapped between        the adjacent harder plastics as the latch is being closed.    -   The latch and keeper provide uniform wall thickness that is        readily suitable for the extrusion process.    -   The latch doesn't need lubrication or oils to prevent corrosion.        The hinges do not jam due to component corrosion.    -   Metal latches with multiple individual components can be        affected by the ingress of dirt into the hinge areas. The        extruded latch does not suffer from this problem as the hinge is        a homogenous part of the latch.    -   Conventional multiple component based latches have areas that        are awkward to access making them difficult to fully clean or        sterilise. Due to the homogenous nature of the extruded latch,        cleaning and sterilising is simpler and more effective due to        the lack of inaccessible pockets. The latch can be cleaned by        wiping along the length of the latch in the direction of the        extrusion.    -   Various anti-bacterial plastics and additives are available to        reduce the build-up of bacteria on the latch. These can be added        in the extrusion process.    -   The latch can be drilled at any position along it's length to        allow insertion of bolts, screws or nails to attach the latch to        a body. This provides flexibility in the positioning of the        fixings and allows them to be positioned in the most appropriate        location as opposed to having to position them where the latch        dictates.    -   The latch is plastic and therefore offers good electrical        insulation properties.    -   Also good heat insulating properties.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual featuredescribed herein and any combination of two or more such features, tothe extent that such features or combinations are capable of beingcarried out based on the present specification as a whole in the lightof the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art,irrespective of whether such features or combinations of to featuressolve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scopeof the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the presentinvention may consist of any such individual feature or combination offeatures. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to aperson skilled in the art that various modifications may be made withinthe scope of the invention.

1. A latch for releasably securing two surfaces together, the latchcomprising a first part and a second part arranged to be attached torespective opposing surfaces, the first and second parts comprisingrespective first and second attachment elements arranged to releasablyengage one another thereby to secure the surfaces together, wherein theattachment elements are elongate with a substantially uniformcross-section along their length, wherein the first attachment elementcomprises a keeper and the second attachment element comprises a hookedpart, wherein the hooked part is connected to a base of the second partby a hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism being arranged to allow thehooked part to be positioned over the keeper and to be moved into alatched position in which the hooked part engages the keeper to securethe first and second parts together.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled) 4.(canceled)
 5. (canceled)
 6. The latch of claim 1 wherein the hingemechanism is arranged to maintain the engagement between the hooked partand the keeper in the latched position.
 7. The latch of claim 1 whereinthe hinge mechanism comprises an intermediate part connecting the hookedpart to the base of the second part, the intermediate part comprising afirst hinge element connecting the hooked part to the intermediate partand a second hinge element connecting the intermediate part to the base.8. The latch of claim 7 wherein, in the latched position, theintermediate part is arranged to be under compression in such a waythat, via its connection with the hooked part and the base, it urges thehooked part against the keeper in order to secure the hooked part in thelatched position.
 9. The latch of claim 8 wherein each hinge elementcomprises a region of material which is of reduced rigidity compared tosurrounding regions.
 10. The latch of claim 1 wherein each of the firstand second attachment elements comprises at least one of a hook and loopconnector and a magnetic part.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The latch of claim 1wherein one or both of the first and second parts comprises a securingclip for attachment to an edge of the respective box lid flap. 13.(canceled)
 14. The latch of claim 1 comprising a locking mechanismarranged to lock the first and second attachment elements together. 15.The latch of claim 14 wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lockingpillar arranged to be inserted through an aperture in one or both of thefirst and second attachment elements.
 16. The latch of claim 15 whereinan upper part of the locking pillar comprises an aperture through whicha padlock or lock can be inserted.
 17. The latch of claim 16 wherein thelocking pillar is rotatably mounted within the aperture in at least oneof the first attachment and second attachment element, the lockingpillar comprising an upper part having a non-circular cross-section, theaperture in the first and/or second attachment element comprising acorresponding non-circular cross-section, the upper part being rotatablebetween a locked position in which its cross-section prevents itspassage through the aperture and an unlocked position in which it maypass through the aperture.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The latchof claim 1 wherein each of the first and second parts consists of anextruded length of material.
 21. (canceled)
 22. A box including thelatch of claim
 1. 23. A method of manufacturing a latch for releasablysecuring two surfaces together, the method comprising producing firstand second parts of the latch, the first and second parts being arrangedto be attached to respective opposing surfaces, the first and secondparts comprising respective first and second attachment elementsarranged to releasably engage one another thereby to secure the surfacestogether, wherein the latch is elongate and the first and second partshave a substantially uniform cross-section along their length, providingthe first attachment element with a keeper and the second attachmentelement with a hooked part, wherein the hooked part is connected to abase of the second part by a hinge mechanism, the hinge mechanism beingarranged to allow the hooked part to be positioned over the keeper andto be moved into a latched position in which the hooked part engages thekeeper to secure the first and second parts together.
 24. (canceled) 25.(canceled)
 26. The method of claim 23 comprising producing the first andsecond parts using extrusion.
 27. The method of claim 26 comprisingproducing the first and second parts using injection moulding.
 28. Themethod of claim 23 comprising cutting one or both of the first andsecond parts to a desired length.
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. Thelatch of claim 7 wherein each hinge element comprises a region ofmaterial which is of reduced rigidity compared to surrounding regions.32. The latch of claim 15 wherein the locking pillar is rotatablymounted within the aperture in at least one of the first attachment andsecond attachment element, the locking pillar comprising an upper parthaving a non-circular cross-section, the aperture in the first and/orsecond attachment element comprising a corresponding non-circularcross-section, the upper part being rotatable between a locked positionin which its cross-section prevents its passage through the aperture andan unlocked position in which it may pass through the aperture.